THE HUMAN ENERGY CONVERTER
(The H.E.C.)
Designed and Built by Bart Orlando,Todd King and Mark Mueller
 
The Human Energy Converter (H.E.C.), a pedal powered electric generator that harnessed the pedaling effort of 14 people at one time. The H.E.C. was capable of sustaining a 1kw output at 24v. . It was used at rock concerts to help power such musicians as Bob Weir, Richie Havens, Merle Saunders, Big Brother and the Holding Company, John Trudell, Zero, Steve Kimock, Clan Dycan, Scott Huckelby and others. It was also used to power the 1995 Headwaters Forest protest/demonstration, as well as community events on the Arcata Plaza. It was featured at the Hog Farm Pignic and The Whole Earth Festival. The H.E.C. was built by Bart Orlando and Todd King, with technical assistance by Mark Muller. In 1996 the milk crate seats were confiscated by the HSU Campus Police Department.
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The Human Energy Converter was at the Hog Farm Pignic in 1995
The Human Energy Converter - 1995
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The Headwaters Forest Protest PA system was powered by the HEC in 1995.
This multiple bike powered generator was the forerunner of the HEC and was first tested at the Hog Farm Pignic in 1994.
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The HEC often functioned as "hippie child care" during the Pignic concert.
All types interesting characters took turns converting their unique human energy into electricity. Removable seat backs provided an access route by which pedalers could mount the contraption.

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The HEC appeared in this Home Power Magazine article which described how it powered the evening dance at the SEER Fair in 1994.Inventor, Michael Hackleman examines the inner working of the HEC's generator compartment as it powered the SEER Fair dance in 1994.
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This article appeared in Home Power Magazine in 1995, describing how the HEC the Pignic was powered.

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This article appeared in Home Power Magazine in 1995. The HEC was used to help power the Arcata Renewable Energy Fair.